Recreational vehicle manufacturer Fleetwood, ignoring bad news about the motorhome industry, released the 2009 Southwind Class A gas RV in Minnesota last week. Apparently designed for folks who really want a Prevost coach but don't quite have the scratch, the Southwind packs the looks and luxury of a bus into a front-engine chassis powered by either a Ford 6.8-liter Triton V10 or an 8.1-liter Vortec from GM. Of course, you're gonna want to have a gas card with a healthy limit. Full release below the jump.

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2009 Brings New Look and Luxurious Features to Fleetwood's Popular Southwind Class A Gas Motor Home

RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group, a leading producer of recreational vehicles, announced the release of its 2009 Southwind Class A gas motor home, which was unveiled to consumers during FMCA's summer rally in St. Paul, Minn. last week.

2009 marks a lifecycle change for Southwind that includes new contemporary front and rear cap designs, one-piece windshield, and automotive dashboard with iPod docking station.

"The 2009 Southwind has a whole new look — both inside and out — designed to appeal to RVers looking for a more luxurious gas motor home," said Paul Eskritt, President of Fleetwood's RV Group. "In St. Paul, customers and dealers openly expressed their enthusiasm about the modern interior decor, wealth of amenities and the overall style of Southwind, so we are excited to see how it does in the marketplace."

Interior highlights on the 2009 Southwind include power front privacy shade and curtains, color rear-vision system with optional side-view cameras, new cabinet and drawer hardware styling, overhead and bedroom LCD TVs, and home theater system.

This fall, the 2009 Southwind offering will expand to include a new curb-side, full-wall-slide floor plan (35J). This beautiful model features a 32" mid-ship LCD TV; 26" LCD TV in the bedroom, a spacious dressing area; large walk-thru bath; and optional 12-foot, u-shaped, mega-lounge/dinette.

For more information about the 2009 Southwind, or any Fleetwood RV products, please call 1-800-322-8216 or visit http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/.